7 1/4 inch gauge "Thomas II" 0-4-2T + tender

A 7 1/4 inch narrow gauge 0-4-2 with tender, built to Roger Marsh's popular "Thomas II" design.

A large locomotive, with many examples working in commercial service, it features robustly proportioned motion work and valve gear, and generous bearing surfaces. Much use is made of sealed roller bearings, including in lesser-stressed components such as the weighshaft. They contribute to a powerful engine capable of hard work with the minimum of maintenance.

Built in 1997, the locomotive had a new commercially built CE-marked boiler fitted fitted in 2015, manufactured by Bell Boilers.

The engine steams freely and runs well - I had the opportunity of driving it at its home track when collecting, pulling several large carriages on a continuous circuit. Even pottering up and down on the portable line back at the works, it will sit on the red line all day with the minimum of attention to the fire.

The tender is fitted with a large, commercially-made seat - of unappealing appearance although indisputable comfort. A simple varnished plank could be substituted by those valuing aesthetic purity above any practical considerations.

Wheelsets were reprofiled in recent times. There is some wear in the motion work and valve gear, although having no apparent effect on the engine's performance; well-defined exhaust beats crescendo, under load, to a most satisfying bark from the chimney!